Osteoarthritis is best described as which condition?

• A. Osteoarthritis
• B. Bursitis
• C. Osteoporosis
• D. Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer: (A)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory arthritis caused by wear-and-tear that leads to breakdown of articular cartilage, with bone changes such as osteophyte formation and subchondral sclerosis. This degeneration produces joint pain with activity, stiffness after periods of rest, and limited range of motion, commonly in weight-bearing joints and in older adults. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa near a joint, causing localized swelling and tenderness rather than cartilage wear. Osteoporosis is a loss of bone density that weakens bones and raises fracture risk, not a joint disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis with prolonged morning stiffness, joint swelling, and often systemic symptoms. The degenerative, wear-and-tear nature without predominant inflammation makes osteoarthritis the best description.